Summer is all about keeping your lawn in top shape, and fall is all about maintaining it. As the season shifts, you don’t have to give up on your yard. In fact, fall is the best time to prepare it for the months ahead. A little care now will keep it looking good through the cooler weather and set it up for healthy growth next year. Here’s how to keep your yard looking great this fall.
Clean Up Fallen Leaves, But Don’t Go Too Overboard
Falling leaves are one of the best parts of fall, but too many can make your yard look messy. Rake them up so your grass still gets sunlight and air. You don’t have to clear every single leaf, though. Leaving a few behind can protect the soil, just don’t let piles build up, or they’ll smother the grass.
Mow Smart and Keep Grass at a Good Height
Even though grass grows more slowly in the fall, you’ll still need to mow from time to time. As growth slows, raise the mower blade a bit, since slightly longer grass handles cold and shade better. It also helps to change your mowing pattern occasionally so the grass doesn’t start leaning in one direction.
Fertilize Before the First Hard Frost
Fall is the perfect time to give your grass one last feeding. Apply a slow-release fertilizer a few weeks before the ground freezes so the roots have time to absorb the nutrients. This helps keep your lawn strong and healthy through the cold months.
Aerate Where Needed
If your yard got heavy traffic over the summer from kids, parties, or pets, chances are the soil is packed down. Aerating helps air, water, and nutrients reach the roots. You can do this with a manual aerator, a rented machine, or by hiring a lawn service. Once the soil is opened up, overseed thin or bare patches so the grass can fill in nicely.
Take Care of Trees, Shrubs, and Beds
Leaves and twigs aren’t the only things that fall in autumn. Branches and dead wood can pile up too, especially after storms. Trim away weak or dead branches before heavy wind or snow brings them down, and refresh the mulch in your garden beds to keep soil moist and protect roots.
Water Smartly as Temperatures Drop
Even when it isn’t hot, your plants and grass still need water, especially if it’s dry. Fall can be windy and sunny, which dries out the soil. Try to water early in the morning when it’s cooler so the water soaks in better. Once frost hits, scale back but don’t totally stop.
Get Prepared For Winter
Fall is your chance to set your yard up for spring. Clean up garden tools, store hoses, trim perennials if needed, and cover tender plants before a hard frost. Mulch bulbs so they’re ready to pop next year. Doing a bit of prep now means less work when things thaw.
Fall Yard Care Made Simple With Dave’s Landscape
Taking care of your yard the right way takes time, patience, and a sense of what’s needed in each season. Fortunately, Dave’s Landscape can help! We know yards, and we know what your grass, trees, and beds need year-round. Whether it’s fertilizing, overseeding, clearing leaves, or preparing for winter, we’ve got the tools, the know-how, and the heart to keep your yard looking its best all fall long. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!